Unveiling the LG Enlighten VS700 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The LG Enlighten VS700, weighing 157 grams, presents a robust design with dimensions of 114 x 58 x 15 mm. This compact form factor makes it easy to handle and it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Its build quality is solid, featuring a QWERTY keyboard which was a significant selling point for many users in 2011. The keyboard slides out smoothly, giving users an option for physical typing, which was particularly advantageous for SMS and quick email responses. The device offers a mini-SIM slot and is only available in black.

Display

Equipped with a 3.2 inch TFT display, the LG Enlighten VS700 delivers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels with a density of approximately 180 ppi. While this may not compete with modern-day smartphones, it was quite sufficient at the time, offering decent clarity and color representation for general usage. The screen-to-body ratio, being 46.1%, reflects the design focus more on functionality than on maximizing display space, further exemplified by the inclusion of the physical QWERTY keyboard.

Performance

Running on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the LG Enlighten VS700 was powered by the Qualcomm MSM7627T chipset, featuring an 800 MHz CPU coupled with an Adreno 200 GPU. Although modest by today’s standards, at its release, this configuration facilitated smooth execution of essential applications and modest multitasking capabilities. The 150MB internal storage was quite limited; however, the device supported microSDHC cards, providing a significant expansion option, with a 2 GB card included.

Camera Capabilities

The device came with a single 3.15 MP rear camera, featuring autofocus technology. Though not suitable for professional photography, it was adequate for casual snapshots and was able to record video at 480p at 24fps. The absence of a front-facing camera and LED flash reflects its positioning as a budget-friendly option, focusing more on delivering basic smartphone functionalities rather than advanced multimedia capabilities.

Battery and Runtime

A significant feature of the LG Enlighten VS700 is its removable 1540 mAh Li-Ion battery. It delivered a standby time of up to 810 hours and offered up to 6 hours of talk time. The ability to replace the battery was convenient for users who required extended usage periods beyond a single charge—an attribute now somewhat rare in modern devices.

Connectivity and Sensors

The connectivity options on the LG Enlighten VS700 encompass Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP and EDR support, and microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and charging. The device supported GPS with A-GPS for location services but lacked any radio functionality. Sensors included an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass, providing the basic interaction suite expected from smartphones at the time.

Network Technology

The LG Enlighten VS700 operated on CDMA / EVDO technology, with 2G bands supporting CDMA 800 / 1900 and 3G bands on CDMA2000 1xEV-DO. This facilitated basic voice and data operations, capable of download speeds up to 3.1 Mbps on EV-DO Rev.A networks. This was more than sufficient for browsing the web and sending emails, which fulfilled the average user’s needs during its launch.

Launch and Availability

Announced and released in September 2011, the LG Enlighten VS700 occupied the market niche of affordable smartphones. It catered predominantly to budget-conscious consumers and those who preferred a physical keyboard over full touchscreen devices. However, it has since been discontinued but remains a notable example of early 2010s mobile technology.

Conclusion

The LG Enlighten VS700 was a practical choice for users seeking basic smartphone functionalities without the frills of high-end devices. Its physical QWERTY keyboard and expandable storage were distinguishing features that appealed to a specific user demographic. Though its capabilities are outpaced by contemporary standards, it reflects a crucial transitional era in the evolution of mobile technology, underscoring a balance between traditional usability and the burgeoning smartphone revolution. Despite its discontinuation, the device holds a place in the history of LG's diverse product offerings.